Att omdefiniera företagande : Övergången till icke vinstdrivande verksamhet och förvaltarskapsägande i praktiken

The profit-driven economic paradigm, long celebrated for its capacity to generate wealth, is increasingly challenged by its failure to equitably distribute its benefits. In response, a new wave of companies is prioritizing impact over wealth accumulation and have developed innovative models where all its profits are reinvested into their mission. Among these, not-for-profit (NFP) and steward-owned businesses stand out aligned with the principles of ecological economics, by leveraging collective governance and investment strategies to safeguard their purpose while retaining the operational flexibility of traditional enterprises. While these systems have proven their practical functionality, the question of how established businesses can transition to these models remains largely unaddressed in the post-growth literature. This thesis explores this gap through a qualitative analysis, enriched by text analysis tools (Tropes and Voyant Tools), of public documentation and interviews from steward-owned companies that have successfully transitioned to NFP structures. Drawing on their experiences and those of other NFP pioneers, the findings reveal that while the transition demands significant resources, particularly in designing complex governance structure within legal systems not yet tailored for such models, it delivers on its promises. Companies achieve greater independence; stakeholders are empowered, and the core purpose of the business is irreversibly secured. This shift liberates organizations from shareholders' pressure and growth imperatives while also creating opportunities to strengthen cooperation and reaffirm alignment with their mission through its ownership model. By providing a practical roadmap for companies navigating this transition, this work aims to inspire action and contribute to a broader paradigm shift; one where business success is measured not just by financial returns, but by its capacity to create lasting, equitable impact.